The basic Ford Fiesta has jumped from about £10,345 to £13,395 with Studio and Style models dropped from the range.
It has been done to give Ford room to introduce the forthcoming Ka+ from under £9,000, but it could mean rival makers gain with dissatisfied Fiesta owners moving away from the brand to keenly priced alternatives.
Renault is launching a series of 66-plate finance deals across the range on selected models.
Additional £500 deposit contribution over all other offers when a Clio, Captur, Kadjar or All-New Renault Mégane is purchased following a test drive; Three-year PCP offers introduced on Twingo, Clio, Captur, All-New Mégane and Kadjar and 0% HP offers available on Twingo, Clio, Captur and ZOE.